Reps. Darany, Santana, Barnett, Bauer, Constan, Crawford, Geiss, Heise, Hooker, Kowall, LeBlanc, Liss, Lori, Lund, O'Brien, Poleski, Price, Slavens, Tlaib and Tyler offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 166.

            A resolution to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and to declare December 7, 2011, as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States was attacked without warning at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii by the air and naval forces of Imperial Japan. More than 2,400 sailors and airmen died during the attack and another 1,200 were wounded.  Of the American fatalities, nearly half of the total were due to the explosion on the USS Arizona. The attack had a devastating impact on our nation and directly led to the United States entry into World War II and prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy"; and

            Whereas, On December 7, 2011, we honor those who lost their lives 70 years ago and all veterans who have fought to preserve our freedom and democracy. Despite the surprise element of the attack, many American military personnel responded effectively during the battle. In total, eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged and four were sunk.  The attack also resulted in the sinking or damaging of three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, and one minelayer. There were more than 400 American planes in Hawaii that morning and a total of 188 were destroyed and another 159 were damaged; and

            Whereas, We also recognize the citizens of Michigan who answered their country’s call to the service on the battlefields and in our factories. Michigan was known as the arsenal of democracy as factories were quickly converted for the production of war supplies.  We remember those who died at Pearl Harbor through their deeds, their devotion to duty, and their willingness to fight for freedom; and

            Whereas, The attack at Pearl Harbor awakened the spirit and determination of the American people. The events of December 7, 1941, remain upon the memories of the citizens of the state of Michigan, as well as, our great nation. May this recollection serve not just as a symbol of American valor and bravery, but also as the resolve of all Americans in preserving freedom; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and declare December 7, 2011, as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan. We urge the people of Michigan to acknowledge the importance of recognizing this day.